Foreign relations of Zimbabwe
The foreign relations of Zimbabwe emphasize a close relationship with the People's Republic of China[1] and South Africa, nations with close economic ties to Zimbabwe.
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| This article is part of a series on the politics and government of Zimbabwe |
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Bilateral relationships
Zimbabwe has significant bilateral relations with several countries.
Following Ian Smith's Unilateral Declaration of Independence from the United Kingdom in 1965 Rhodesia's diplomatic presence was dramatically rolled back across the world. By the time of the Lancaster House Agreement in 1979 Rhodesia only had representative offices in London, Bonn, Pretoria, Washington, D.C. and Tokyo. Missions in Maputo (then Lourenço Marques) and Lisbon were closed in 1975 following the Carnation Revolution in Portugal. Under Robert Mugabe Zimbabwe ran a new foreign policy which operated more closely with African, Soviet and NAM states.
Some white Rhodesians who have left their country following ZANU-PF coming to power have established "embassies" and offices representing a government in exile in places afar as Thailand, Iceland and London.
The capital of the country, Harare, currently hosts 51 embassies. Several other countries have ambassadors accredited from other capital cities, mainly Pretoria and Addis Ababa. Several countries have closed their embassies in Zimbabwe in recent years to protest the policies of President Robert Mugabe, with the Czech Republic and Botswana being the latest to announce their intentions to do so.[2][3] The information provided on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Zimbabwe's website is outdated, and due to the country's growing isolation, several embassies that are listed have closed. The information was checked on the websites of other foreign ministries to ensure accuracy.
Africa
| Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
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 | 1980-07-31[4] |
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 | See Angola–Zimbabwe relations
Angola-Zimbabwe relations have remained cordial since the birth of both states, Angola in 1975 and Zimbabwe in 1980, during the Cold War. While Angola's foreign policy shifted to a pro-U.S. stance based on substantial economic ties, under the rule of President Robert Mugabe Zimbabwe's ties with the West soured in the late 1990s. | |
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Though initially friendly towards Zimbabwe, several disputes between the two countries have soured relations in recent years. Such problems include the fact that Botswana has seen an influx of refugees from Zimbabwe; the building of a fence along the border,[5] and has complained on several occasions of a campaign by Zimbabwe's state-run media against the government of Botswana, where it cites claims of human rights abuses against Zimbabwean's and the claim that Botswana, along with the United Kingdom and other countries were supporting the opposition in Zimbabwe.[6] Recently, relations have further been strained when the government of Botswana lodged a protest against the political violence occurring in Zimbabwe and the detention of opposition members in the country, stating it was "uncalled for".[7][8] Protesting the outcome of the Zimbabwean presidential election of 2008, and the 'illegitimate' regime in Zimbabwe, President Ian Khama boycotted the Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit on 16–17 August, which was instead attended by the Botswana Foreign Minister.[9] Relations have further deteriorated between Zimbabwe, Botswana and Zambia after the latter two countries withdrew from a Memorandum of Understanding, excluding Zimbabwe and signed a new one to undertake the construction of the Kazungula Bridge Project on a bilateral basis. This was done despite a caution from the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NPAD) to not let politics interfere with the development project.[10] In November 2008, Botswana foreign minister Phandu Skelemani stated that all countries bordering Zimbabwe should close their borders with the country, to 'bring down Robert Mugabe's government'.[11] | |
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Following the controversial Zimbabwean presidential election of 2008, Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga urged the African Union to suspend Zimbabwe until "free and fair elections" have taken place.[12] He has also called for the removal of Mugabe.[13] | |
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In the past Zimbabwe has enjoyed a close relationship with the government of Muammar Gaddafi partly due to their shared animosity towards Western governments. During the 2011 Libyan civil war the Mugabe regime indicated that it will not recognise the anti-Gaddafi National Transitional Council. When the staff of the Libyan embassy defected and joined the NTC after the decisive Battle of Tripoli in August 2011 Harare expelled the embassy, giving them 48 hours to leave the country.[14][15] | |
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 | See Namibia–Zimbabwe relations
The ruling parties of Namibia (since independence in 1990) and Zimbabwe (since independence in 1980) have been close since pre-independence days, as both were anti-colonial movements against white-minority governments.[16] | |
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 | See South Africa–Zimbabwe relations
In recent years, following the political crisis in the country, the ex-president Thabo Mbeki mediated with the MDC and Zanu PF to form a unity government, and often remained silent on the issues in Zimbabwe, which drew criticism.[17] Following a cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe, the ruling ANC in South Africa became impatient and has urged the parties to form a unity government.[18] | |
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 | See Zambia–Zimbabwe relations
Initially, the two countries had good relations after gaining independence. However, relations have recently been strained as Zambia, like Botswana, has reported similar 'smear campaigns' against the Zambian government by Zimbabwe's state-owned media, claiming it was "hired by Britain to press for a speedy regime change in Harare." The foreign affairs minister, Kabinga Pande, has said it has lodged a protest against Zimbabwe, against the "sustained malicious campaign against Zambia."[19] Following the controversial Zimbabwean presidential election of 2008, Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa described Mugabe's Zimbabwe as a "regional embarrassment".[20] |
Americas
| Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
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.svg.png){kind=small} | 1980 |
 Embassy of Zimbabwe in Ottawa
Because of Zimbabwe's poor record on human rights and democracy, Canada has imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe which include aid suspension and visa-ban to some members of the Harare government. Bilateral trade totalled C$16 million in 2011, down from C$430 million in 1999. Canadian investment in Zimbabwe is primarily in the mining sector.[21] |
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 | 1980 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 19 June 1980.[23] |
 | March 1985 | See Mexico–Zimbabwe relations
Mexico and Zimbabwe established diplomatic relations in March 1985. Mexico opened an embassy in Harare in 1990, however, the embassy was later closed in 1994.[24] |
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 Embassy of Zimbabwe in Washington See United States–Zimbabwe relations
United States President Jimmy Carter met with Zimbabwean Prime Minister Robert Mugabe in August 1980.[27] Author Geoff Hill criticized Carter for keeping "quiet as Mugabe nationalized the press, committed genocide against minority tribes and subverted [Zimbabwe's] constitution to make himself the sole source of authority."[28] Zimbabwean Foreign Minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi summoned U.S. Ambassador to Zimbabwe Christopher Dell on 9 November 2005 and expressed his "extreme displeasure" with comments Dell made a few days earlier in Mutare. Dell had said government corruption had led to food shortages. Mugabe said Dell could "go to hell."[29] Dell left Zimbabwe for Washington, D.C., United States on 9 November for consultations after meeting with Minister Mumbengegwi.[30] | |
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Asia
| Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
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 | 1992 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1992.[31] |
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 | 1980-04-18 | See China–Zimbabwe relations
The People's Republic of China supported Robert Mugabe's Zimbabwe African National Union while the Soviet Union supported Joshua Nkomo's Zimbabwe African People's Union, competing militant Marxist organizations that sought an end to Rhodesia and the establishment of a one-party Communist state in its place.[1] The PRC's initial investment in Mugabe has continued. China has invested more in Zimbabwe than any other nation with 35 companies spending over $600 million USD.[32] The close economic relationship between Zimbabwe and China is partly driven by sanctions imposed by Western nations in response to the Zimbabwean government's continued human rights abuses.[33] Li Ke, China's Vice-Minister for Economic Relations, visited Zimbabwe for 13 days in September 1980. Mugabe visited China on 13 October and met with Prime Minister Zhao Ziyang.[4] In June or July 2006, the Zimbabwean government secretly bought Chinese rifles, bullets, anti-riot gear and other military equipment in return for 30 tons of ivory, violating the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species which forbids the sale of ivory. Interpol and CITES, an ivory-watchdog organization, are investigating the sale.[34] The Zimbabwean government bought six military aircraft from China in 2005 and another six aircraft from three Chinese firms on 23 August 2006.[35] Two days later the Zimbabwe National Army said it bought 127 trucks for $1.2 million.[36] The Chinese government donated farm machinery worth $25 million to Zimbabwe on 21 April, including 424 tractors and 50 trucks, as part of a $58 million loan to the Zimbabwean government. The Mugabe administration previously seized white-owned farms and gave them to blacks, damaging machinery in the process. In return for the equipment and the loan the Zimbabwean government will ship 30 million kilograms of tobacco to the People's Republic of China immediately and as much as 80 million kilograms over the next five years.[33] John Nkomo, Speaker of the House of Assembly of Zimbabwe, praised China's investment on 24 April 2007 during a state dinner in Harare held during the four-day visit of Jia Qinglin, Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, to Zimbabwe.[32] Misheck Sibanda, the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Edna Madzongwe, President of the Senate, cabinet ministers, and legislators from both ZANU-PF and the Movement for Democratic Change attended the dinner.[37]
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 | 24 June 1992 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 24 July 1992.[38] |
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See India-Zimbabwe relations
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 | 1993 | See Israel–Zimbabwe relations
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 | See Pakistan–Zimbabwe relations
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 | 1980-06[4] | |
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 | 1994-11-18[39] |
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 | 22 March 1999 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 22 March 1999.[40] |
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Europe
| Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
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French President Jacques Chirac angered the governments of the United Kingdom and the United States when in February 2003 he invited President Mugabe to a Franco-African conference on Africa held in France. Mugabe said he felt "at home" in Paris and "President Chirac insisted that we attend. He held firm to his principles. We need leaders of his stature." Chirac later emphasized that he had not kissed Mugabe on his cheeks when the conference began.[44] The UK had previously tried to get the European Union to deny Mugabe the right to come to Europe, citing human rights abuses in Zimbabwe.[45] | |
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 | See Greece-Zimbabwe relations
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 | 2015-01-23 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 January 2015.[46] |
 | 1992-06-19 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 19 June 1992.[47] |
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 | 1981-02-18 | See Russia–Zimbabwe relations
Russia-Zimbabwe relations date back to January 1979, during the Rhodesian Bush War. The Soviet Union supported Joshua Nkomo's Zimbabwe African People's Union, and supplied them with arms; Robert Mugabe's attempts to gain Soviet support for his Zimbabwe African National Union were rebuffed, leading him to enter into relations with Soviet rival Beijing. After the end of the white regime in Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe had strengthened his relations with both Beijing and Moscow as a result of intense western pressure on him. Russia maintains strong economic and political ties with Zimbabwe and both countries had vetoed the UN resolution imposing UN sanctions on Zimbabwe which was proposed by both the US and the UK on 12 July 2008. |
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 Embassy of Zimbabwe in London
Historically, relations between Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom were close. However, in the last eight years, relations between Zimbabwe and the UK have been typically cold; with President Robert Mugabe frequently accusing the former colonial power of sabotage; ruining the country and attempting to invade the country.[49] In turn, UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown refused to attend an African/European summit while Mugabe was invited, citing Zimbabwe's poor human rights record.[50] The UK also did not attend an address by Mugabe at the 2008 UN Food Summit, stating that his presence there was "obscene".[51] However, Mugabe was later forcibly removed from power in November 2017 and soon afterwards, Britain's Minister to Africa Rory Stewart became the first British Minister to visit Zimbabwe in two decades.[52] In January 2019, Conservative Secretary and defence spokesman Geoffrey Van Orden MEP said that the EU should review its sanctions against Zimbabwe following the brutal crackdown on opposition forces.[53] |
Oceania
| Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
|---|---|---|
.svg.png){kind=small} | See Australia–Zimbabwe relations
In 2002, the Howard government in Australia imposed targeted sanctions against members of the Zimbabwean government in protest against the deteriorating political situation in Zimbabwe. The sanctions were extended and strengthened in 2007.[54] These sanctions have included restrictions on travel to and through Australia for certain members of the Zimbabwean government, suspension of all non-humanitarian aid, and prohibitions on defence links.[55] The Rudd government in 2008 considered further sanctions against Zimbabwe, with foreign minister Stephen Smith declaring that "I've made it clear that we are open to consider more sanctions ... We are currently giving active consideration to that issue."[56] | |
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Multilateral organizations
Zimbabwe has missions to several multilateral organizations:
- Addis Ababa (Permanent Mission to the African Union)
- Brussels (Mission to the European Union)
- Geneva (Permanent Mission to the United Nations and international organizations)
- New York City (Permanent Mission to the United Nations)
- Paris (Permanent Mission to UNESCO)
Zimbabwe and the Commonwealth of Nations
Zimbabwe became an independent Commonwealth republic on 18 April 1980. Zimbabwe withdrew from the Commonwealth of Nations in December 2003, due to international criticism of the Government of Zimbabwe's human rights record.
Emmerson Mnangagwa, Robert Mugabe's successor as President of Zimbabwe, has stated that Zimbabwe will apply to return to the Commonwealth in late 2018, following in the footsteps of The Gambia returning to the Commonwealth on 8 February 2018.
Sibusiso Moyo attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2018 in his capacity as Foreign Affairs Minister of Zimbabwe.
The British Government has expressed support for Zimbabwe to return to its membership of the Commonwealth.
Further reading
- Schwartz, Richard. Coming to Terms: Zimbabwe in the International Arena. I.B. Tauris.
References
- ?, ? (n.d.). The Great Wall and the Empty Fortress: China's Search for Security. p. 48.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
- Zimbabwe: Czech Embassy to Close Over 'Crazy' Policies
- "Botswana to close its Harare embassy". Irinnews.org. 5 December 2008. Retrieved 29 December 2018.
- ?, ? (n.d.). Southern African Political History: A Chronological of Key Political Events from Independence to Mid-1997. pp. 711–712.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
- "Botswana-Zimbabwe fence row". BBC News. 2 September 2003. Retrieved 29 December 2018.
- "Botswana-Zimbabwe". Africafiles. 14 January 1992. Retrieved 29 December 2018.
- "Veterans ready to fight - Mugabe". BBC News. 13 June 2008. Retrieved 29 December 2018.
- "African call for Zimbabwe unity", BBC, 1 July 2008
- "Botswana president criticises Mugabe" Archived 20 May 2011 at the Wayback Machine, AFP, 15 August 2008.
- "Botswana, Zambia exclude Zim from MoU" Archived 14 August 2008 at the Wayback Machine, The Zimbabwe Guardian, 12 August 2008.
- "Botswana suggests neighbors close borders with Zimbabwe", International Herald Tribune, 26 November 2008.
- "Kenya urges AU to suspend Mugabe", BBC, 30 June 2008
- "Kenya PM calls for Mugabe removal", BBC, 4 December 2008.
- "Zim expels Libya ambassador for recognising rebels". Mail and Guardian. 30 August 2011. Retrieved 31 August 2011.
- "Libyan envoy to Zimbabwe expelled for burning flag". The Zimbabwean. 26 August 2011. Archived from the original on 26 August 2011. Retrieved 31 August 2011.
- Zimbabwe heaps praise on Swapo's transition effort Archived 18 June 2004 at the Wayback Machine by Tangeni Amupadhi, The Namibian, 3 June 2004
- "Mbeki urges patience in Zimbabwe", The National Post, 8 April 2008.
- "Zuma says summit must "force" Zimbabwe deal", Reuters, 7 November 2008.
- "Zambia protests against Zimbabwe". Zimbabwemetro.com. Retrieved 29 December 2018.
- "Zimbabwe's neighbours", BBC, June 2008
- "Canada-Zimbabwe relations". Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 7 November 2013.
- Zimbabwe: Build on Revolution Legacy, Country Told All Africa, 21 August 2009
- "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 7 March 2016. Retrieved 24 February 2016.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- "Relations between Mexico and Zimbabwe (in Spanish)" (PDF). Retrieved 29 December 2018.
- Embassy of Mexico in South Africa
- "Embassy of Zimbabwe in the United States". Zimembassydc.gov.zw. Retrieved 29 December 2018.
- Page 380 Notable U.S. Ambassadors Since 1775: A Biographical Dictionary
- Page 8 What Happens After Mugabe?
- Zimbabwe voices anger at US envoy BBC News
- Ambassador leaves Zimbabwe Archived 17 March 2006 at the Wayback Machine Zwnews
- "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 26 February 2017. Retrieved 26 February 2017.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- "China ranks Zimbabwe's top investor: senior official". People's Daily Online. Retrieved 19 January 2008.
- Zimbabwe gets Chinese farm machinery worth $25 mln, Reuters via SABC News
- Zimbabwe: Country accused of trading ivory for military hardware from China, 27 June 2007. AllAfrica
- Zimbabwe buys more military jets from China Reuters via SABC News
- Zimbabwe military plans recruitment drive, mulls pay increases Archived 12 June 2008 at the Wayback Machine, Voice of America
- Zimbabwe: China now Zimbabwe's top investor AllAfrica
- "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 4 September 2015. Retrieved 30 June 2015.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- "Austria shuts Zimbabwe embassy". The Herald. 20 December 2011. Retrieved 29 December 2018.
- "Zimbabwe Embassy in Denmark". Zimbabwe.visahq.com. Retrieved 29 December 2018.
- "Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark: Zimbabwe". Archived from the original on 26 December 2010. Retrieved 15 August 2010.
- Page 33 Hating America: The New World Sport
- Page 146 Allies: Why the West Had to Remove Saddam
- "Zimbabwe 'ready for UK invasion'". BBC News. 18 November 2007. Retrieved 2 May 2010.
- "Brown boycotts summit over Mugabe". BBC News. 7 December 2007. Retrieved 2 May 2010.
- "Mugabe food talks trip 'obscene'". BBC News. 2 June 2008. Retrieved 29 December 2018.
- "Zimbabwe must reform after Mugabe, says first British minster to visit country in two decades". The Telegraph. 23 November 2017. Retrieved 29 December 2018.
- "Call for EU to review Zimbabwe sanctions". Conservative Europe. 24 January 2019.
- Yaxley, Louise (17 July 2007). "Downer to strengthen Zimbabwe sanctions". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 12 September 2008.
- "Australian Bilateral Sanctions : Zimbabwe". Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Australia). Retrieved 12 September 2008.
- "Tougher Zimbabwe sanctions considered". The Sydney Morning Herald. 23 July 2008. Retrieved 12 September 2008.
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| Americas | ||
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| Related topics | ||
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